Synonyms of antithetical

antithetical

adjective

ˌan-tə-ˈthe-ti-kəl 

as in contradictory

being as different as possible

spiritual concerns and ideals that are antithetical to the materialism embraced by modern society

Synonyms & Similar Words

• contradictory
• opposite
• contrary
• unfavorable
• diametric
• polar
• divergent
• antipodal
• negative
• hostile
• antagonistic
• antipodean
• adverse
• unlike
• dissimilar
• counter
• cross
• disparate
• reverse
• antipathetic
• alien
• inverse
• converse
• unalike
• obverse

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• similar
• analogous
• like
• same
• noncontradictory
• identical
• equivalent
• alike
• synonymous

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective antithetical differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of antithetical are contradictory, contrary, and opposite. While all these words mean "being so far apart as to be or seem irreconcilable," antithetical stresses clear and unequivocal diametrical opposition.

a law that is antithetical to the very idea of democracy

When can contradictory be used instead of antithetical?

While in some cases nearly identical to antithetical, contradictory applies to two things that completely negate each other so that if one is true or valid the other must be untrue or invalid.

made contradictory predictions about whether the market would rise or fall

When might contrary be a better fit than antithetical?

While the synonyms contrary and antithetical are close in meaning, contrary implies extreme divergence or diametrical opposition.

contrary assessments of the war situation

In what contexts can opposite take the place of antithetical?

The meanings of opposite and antithetical largely overlap; however, opposite applies to things in sharp contrast or in conflict.

opposite views on foreign aid

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of antithetical

Although Christians often disapproved of Hoodoo, for many African Americans its practice has served as a particular, local, and lived expression of Christianity rather than something antithetical to it. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 14 Aug. 2026

The monk-to-entrepreneur pipeline has shocked some of his fans and followers who say making $21 million a year is antithetical to a monk lifestyle. — Alexandra York, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026

Israeli President Isaac Herzog warned against New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s outspoken opposition to the Jewish state, arguing that such positioning is antithetical to creating peace in the Middle East. — Emily Hallas, The Washington Examiner, 1 Aug. 2026

Salinger reveals Holden’s gentleness, itself a rejection of masculine norms of strength, through a determined honesty that is antithetical to the boasting in which his male peers repeatedly engage. — Lily Meyer, The Atlantic, 7 July 2026

Podcast

Get Word of the Day delivered to your inbox!